Task Force Information

Animal Abuse Task Force

Clergy Task Force meets at noon on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Family Justice Center (August 1, October 3 and December 5, 2006)

Education Task Force meets 2nd Monday of every month, at 2:30pm, at the Family Justice Center

Elder Abuse Task Force meets 4th Friday of every month, at 9am

Family Violence Helpline
865-521-6336

CCFV

400 Harriet Tubman St
Knoxville, TN 37915
865-215-6854

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Elder Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults has been called a "hidden" problem. It is believed that most cases are never reported and there are many dependent and defenseless adults in need of protection. Abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional) generally involves more extreme forms of harm to the adult, including the infliction of pain, injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or other cruel treatment. Neglect occurs when the basic needs of a dependent adult are not met by a caregiver. Neglect may be unintentional, resulting from the caregiver's lack of ability to provide or arrange for the care or services the adult requires. Neglect also may be due to the intentional failure of the caregiver to meet the adult's needs. Self-Neglect occurs when a dependent adult is unable to care for him/herself or to obtain needed care. The impairments result in significant danger to the adult and in some situations can deteriorate to the point that the adult's life may be at risk. Financial Exploitation occurs when a caregiver improperly uses funds intended for the care or use of the adult. These are funds paid to the adult or to the caregiver by a governmental agency.

At some time in their lives, many adults are not able to provide for their basic daily needs and protect their own interests. Some individuals may be too frail to care for themselves. Others may be young adults with physical or mental impairments that make them dependent on family members or others who are unable or unwilling to look after them. Some live with relatives or friends, and others live alone.

When adults are unable to provide for their own basic needs, or when family or others responsible for their care abuse, neglect or exploit them, the Tennessee Department of Human Services' Adult Protective Services staff can help. According to the law, ANY PERSON - including neighbors, friends, relatives, doctors, dentists, caregivers, agencies' personnel, etc. - who has reasonable cause to suspect an adult has suffered abuse, neglect, or exploitation is required to report it. In addition, individuals who believe they are suffering as a result of neglect, abuse or exploitation should report it.

To report or ask for help call:

KNOXVILLE:  (865) 594-5685

CHATTANOOGA: (423) 634-6624

NASHVILLE: (615) 532-3492

MEMPHIS: (901)  543-7800
TOLL FREE: 1-800-APS-TENN